Line up: Jamie Harding (vocals), Phil Cunningham (guitar), Johnny Regan (guitar), Nick Gilbert (bass), Murad Mousa (drums)

Macclesfield band, Marion, first hit the scene in 1993 with their style of music heavily depicting that of their influences, The Buzzcocks, Joy Division and the Beatles.

Described as being similar to (and better than) Radiohead, their brilliant 1994 debut single, "Violent Men", received rave reviews without the high sales, whilst, "The Only Way" followed, also failing to make any chart impression.

After signing with London Records in 1995, Marion scored a minor hit with "Sleep", followed by the less successful "Toys for Boys","Let's All Go Together", and "Time" before re-releasing "Sleep" as an EP.

Whilst promoting their debut album, "This World and Body", Marion gained an excellent reputation as a brilliant live act, highlighted at their many shows supporting the likes of Morrissey, Radiohead and Menswear. Q magazine described them as "stadium rock Gods in waiting - the new Joy Division"

Unfortunately the hard work did not pay off and by 1998, Marion's fanbase had all but disappeared. The single, "Miyako Hidaway" again failed to chart, whilst "The Program", their second album, was released with little publicity amid conflict with the record label. It subsequently flopped in the UK despite being produced by Johnny Marr (Electronic, and ex-Smiths guitarist) although did enjoy some success in Japan.

On May 31st 1999, Marion decided to call it a day. Whilst it looks like Jamie Harding will be back, same name, different line-up, we are left to wonder of what could have been if they had received the promotional push they deserved.

1998